Tips and tricks to prepare before the arctic cold arrives

Tuesday

If you haven’t taken any winter preventative measures yet, you can still prepare before the mercury drops.

Here’s what to do if ...

You or your child must go outside:

Adjust your schedule, if possible, to avoid being outside during the coldest part of the day, which is typically the early morning.Dress properly to reduce the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. Adults and children at least should wear:

– A warm hat that covers your ears; a scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth;

– At least three layers of clothing, including an outer layer that can keep out the wind. Wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers of clothing will hold more body heat than cotton;

– Sleeves that are snug at the wrist;

– Mittens, which are warmer than gloves;

– Water-resistant boots.

Stay dry because wet clothing chills the body quicker.Limit your time outside as much as possible. With expected wind chills in some areas at minus 30 degrees, frostbite can set in within a matter of 10 minutes and children and the elderly likely will begin to feel the effects of cold weather even sooner.Avoid exertion as cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart because your body already is working hard just to stay warm.Do not ignore shivering as it is often the first sign that your body is losing heat. Persistent shivering should be a signal that it’s time to return indoors.Make sure your vehicle’s gas tank is at least half full so that you can stay warm inside it if you become stranded.Update your winter car survival kit in case you become stranded. The kit should include safety items, such as jumper cables and flashlights (check the batteries); a first-aid kit; cat litter or sand to help with tire traction; a shovel; ice scraper; blankets and additional warm clothing; and a spare cellphone charger.

You’re staying home:

Prepare an emergency kit with a battery-operated radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, blankets and warm clothing, food that is easily opened and prepared, and clean drinking water (at least one gallon per person per day).Locate and learn how to shut off switches for gas, electric and water.Put rolled-up towels or blankets around windows and doors to keep drafts out.

You must leave your vehicle outside:

Cover your vehicle’s doors, windows and locks to protect them from ice.Lift your wipers off the windshield to prevent them from freezing to the glass.Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a winter cleaning solution that has antifreeze components to prevent it from freezing.Keep an ice scraper in your car and in your house in case your vehicle is frozen and you need to chip away the ice.Remove electronic items such as your phone or GPS from your lighter socket as they drain your car’s battery, which already will be working harder than usual due to the low temperatures.

You won’t be home — or you’re worried your home’s pipes might burst:

Leave bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors open to allow warm room air to circulate around the pipes.Let faucets drip to reduce pressure on the pipes.Keep your thermostat at same temperature day and night.Remove hoses from outside faucets. If you leave hoses connected with water still in them, there’s no place for water from the faucet or the water line to drain. The trapped water freezes and expands, creating a crack in the line inside the wall of your home, which can lead to spewing water everywhere. After removing the hoses, cover the faucets with either an insulated cover, a wrapped towel, foam or even newspaper and then use plastic and tape to hold the cover in place.Buy insulated sleeves from the hardware store to cover exposed pipes in the garage, attic, basement or outside that are more susceptible to freezing.

Your furnace or heating system is not adequate and you need a place to go to get warm:

Many cities and nonprofits are opening warming centers. To find one near you, visit your city's website or monitor social media.

In many areas, you also can call 2-1-1 to be directed to community resources.

You have a pet:

If your pet lives outside, bring him or her inside. Sub-zero temperatures are dangerous for animals.If you absolutely cannot bring your pet in the house, here are precautions to take:

– Make sure your pet has a solid shelter that protects against wind;

– Keep the floor of the shelter off the ground;

– Change water frequently so it doesn’t freeze;

– Change bedding so it stays dry and warm;

– Avoid using space heaters or heating lamps, which can burn animals.

– If you need to take your dog for a walk:

– Use petroleum jelly or booties to protect your pup’s paws;

– Check paws for cold-weather injury, such as cracks or bleeding.

Is this the coldest it’s ever been in January?

Not quite.

Sources: AAA, National Weather Service, AdvantaClean, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Stark County Emergency Management Agency, American Veterinary Medical Association, Ohio Department of Aging

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